Community
Wiki Posts
Search

Solid Credit Card Combo?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 22, 2014 | 11:11 am
  #31  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 21
When is it justifiable to pay the AF? Also, in the short term at least, will this credit card combination be sufficient? Should I add any more?
karloldreyes is offline  
Old Nov 22, 2014 | 11:19 am
  #32  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
10 Countries Visited
Community Builder
All eyes on you!
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 34,986
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.1030 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

Originally Posted by karloldreyes
When is it justifiable to pay the AF? Also, in the short term at least, will this credit card combination be sufficient? Should I add any more?
If you plan to redeem your AGR points for free Amtrak travel (as opposed to transferring the points out to other programs or redeeming them for non-Amtrak items), I would -- at some point -- get the Chase/AGR MasterCard. It has no annual fee, has a sign-up bonus which can range from 12,000 to more than 30,000 AGR points, and it gives you a 5% discount off of AGR redemptions for Amtrak travel.

Last edited by guv1976; Nov 22, 2014 at 11:19 am
guv1976 is offline  
Old Nov 22, 2014 | 4:13 pm
  #33  
10 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CLT
Programs: AA, AS, UA, BA, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,075
Originally Posted by karloldreyes
When is it justifiable to pay the AF?
Is this a trick question? Pay the AF when the benefits are greater than the AF. But quantify benefits truthfully. Consider Fido Amex / Citi Double Cash (2% on everything) as the alternative to everything. So only calculate the amount of rewards that beats 2%, because you are giving up the opportunity to get 2% cash back by using a different card. If there are other card benefits that you profit from (i.e., free checked bags from an airline card), then include them in the valuation. But avoid the "and there are other benefits I like so the card is obviously worth it" argument.
dukerau is offline  
Old Nov 22, 2014 | 7:09 pm
  #34  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 21
Originally Posted by guv1976
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.1030 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)



If you plan to redeem your AGR points for free Amtrak travel (as opposed to transferring the points out to other programs or redeeming them for non-Amtrak items), I would -- at some point -- get the Chase/AGR MasterCard. It has no annual fee, has a sign-up bonus which can range from 12,000 to more than 30,000 AGR points, and it gives you a 5% discount off of AGR redemptions for Amtrak travel.
I already have the AGR mastercard and loved it. Probably going for the BA card next..
karloldreyes is offline  
Old Nov 22, 2014 | 7:29 pm
  #35  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 21
Its interesting to read how people value the AF and the bennies associated with the cards.
karloldreyes is offline  
Old Nov 22, 2014 | 7:37 pm
  #36  
mia
Flyertalk Posting Legend Moderator: Credit Card Programs, American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Diners Club, Eco Travel, Signatures
10 Countries Visited
20 Nights
2M
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA, IHG & Marriott Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 51,858
Moderator action

Two threads started by the same poster have been combined to provide more context.
mia is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.